Osteoporosis, which means "porous bones," causes bones to become
weak and brittle — so brittle that even mild stresses like bending over, lifting
a vacuum cleaner or coughing can cause a fracture. In most cases, bones weaken
when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorus and other minerals in your
bones. Osteoporosis can also accompany endocrine disorders or result from
excessive use of drugs such as corticosteroids.

In the United States, osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures
every year — most of them in the spine, hip or wrist. And although it's often
thought of as a women's disease, osteoporosis affects many men as well. About 8
million American women and 2 million American men have osteoporosis, and nearly
18 million more Americans may have low bone density. Even children aren't
immune.

Risk Factors

Gender - Women have a greater risk of Osteoporosis

Age - As you age you are at a higher risk for Osteoporosis

Ethnicity - Caucasian and Asian women are at a higher risk

Body Size - Small, thin-boned women are most susceptible

Family History - If you have a family history of bone disease or
fractures you are at a higher risk

Sex Hormones - low estrogen and testosterone levels can lead to
osteoporosis

Lifetime exposure to estrogen - The greater a woman's lifetime exposure to
estrogen, the lower the risk of osteoporosis. For example, you have a lower
risk if you have a late menopause or you began menstruating at an
earlier-than-average age. But if you have a history of abnormal menstrual
periods, experience menopause earlier than your late 40s or have your
ovaries surgically removed before age 45 without receiving hormone therapy,
your risk is increased

Taking Certain Medications -glucocorticoids or some anticonvulsants can
increase risk